Page 74 of Midnight Creed

“Jason, she’s accused me of taking him.”

“What? That’s crazy.”

“He didn’t want to go back yesterday. He wanted to stay with me.”

“But you took him back, right?”

“Yes, of course. What was I supposed to do?”

“We all had a good time. He was just wishing. That’s all.”

“But what if he’s run away?”

“When did she call you?”

“About thirty minutes ago.”

“So he’s been gone—”

“Going on eight hours. Oh my God! Where’s he been since seven o’clock this morning?”

“Has Dora called any law enforcement?”

“I have no idea. I...I hung up on her. She was screaming at me that I took him.”

“This will be Sheriff Norwich’s jurisdiction. You need to call her. See if she’s been contacted.”

“Okay.”

“If she wants to question you at her office or meet you at Dora’s, I can be at either place.”

“No, that’s okay. That’s sweet, but you don’t have to do that.”

“I don’t have to. I want to do it.”

“No, Jason, you can’t.”

“What do you mean, I can’t?”

“Jason, I appreciate your help, but we’re just dating. This isn’t your problem. It’s not like we’re in a relationship or something.”

What was wrong with her? She had spent the night tossing and turning and coming up with ways to push him away, but maybe right this minute was not cool.

“I didn’t mean that the way it sounded. I just...I need to handle this.”

When he still didn’t respond, she added, “Okay?”

“Okay. Sure.”

“I’ll call you as soon as I know something.”

She hung up before he said anything that might make her feel guilty. All she cared about right now was Will and finding him. Jason had to understand that. Nothing else mattered.

49

Pensacola Beach, Florida

Maggie checked into the Margaritaville Hotel on the beach. She’d stayed here before. By now, she was bone-tired and needed something familiar, even if she afforded it on her own dime. But more importantly, gut instinct told her Gregory was here.